SLS seen as savior of the northern Strip
??The SLS Las Vegas, a $415 million hotel-casino on the northern end of the Strip, has announced a layoff of employees in every department at the property, a renovated version of the legendary Sahara. SLS opened August 23 with about 3,400 workers for the 1,600-room resort, which includes nine restaurants and three nightclubs.??
“While it is always difficult to part ways with our team members, these types of employment shifts are very common as new Strip resorts adjust following grand openings. We cut less than 2 percent of the staff and are well-positioned to deliver upon the SLS promise and the demand of our loyal customer base,” said Arash Azarbarzin, president of SBE Hotel Group, which operates the property along with majority owner Stockbridge Real Estate.??
In a statement, SLS officials say they are dedicated to “exceptional service standards, and are beyond optimistic on the continued evolution and growth of the North Strip.” The luxurious resort has been seen as a possible spur for more development on the north end of the famed boulevard, which has languished due to its distance from the center of the action.?
Arte Nathan, former human resources vice president and now a professor at UNLV, says layoffs are common immediately after a casino opens.
“It’s hard to get it exactly right. But if you’re 98 percent right, that’s pretty good,” he said.
